JP6341764B2 - Relay device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a relay device, for example, a chassis-type relay device equipped with an Ethernet (registered trademark) OAM function.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses processing contents when flooding occurs in a chassis type switching hub in which a LAG (Link Aggregation Group) across line cards is set. Specifically, the ingress line card adds a distributed ID to the frame and transmits it to each egress line card when flooding occurs. Each egress line card holds a table representing the correspondence between the distributed ID and the port ID (including the line card ID), and the line card ID corresponding to the distributed ID added to the received frame identifies itself. In the case shown, the frame is transmitted from the port corresponding to the port ID.

JP 2011-130155 A

  For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a relay device called a chassis type (in other words, a switch device) in which a plurality of line cards are mounted in one housing is known. In general, the relay device includes a management card for managing the entire relay device including management of settings and states of each line card in addition to a plurality of line cards. Further, in a plurality of line cards, there is a case where a LAG across line cards is set as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  On the other hand, in the Ethernet (registered trademark) network, a maintenance / management function called Ethernet OAM (Operations, Administration and Maintenance) is widely used. The Ethernet OAM is standardized as “ITU-T Y.1731”, “IEEE802.1ag” or the like. In Ethernet OAM, a function called CC (Continuity Check) is defined as one of typical functions. This is to monitor communication between monitoring points by periodically transmitting and receiving a frame called CCM (Continuity Check Message) (hereinafter referred to as a CCM frame) between monitoring points called MEP (Maintenance End Point). It is a function. For example, when a CCM frame cannot be received within a predetermined period between MEPs, it is determined that there is no communication between the MEPs.

  Here, it is assumed that the Ethernet OAM function is installed in a chassis-type relay device in which a LAG across line cards is set. As one of the mounting methods, for example, a method of transmitting / receiving a CCM frame to / from the outside of the apparatus mainly using each line card can be cited. However, when the MEP is set to the LAG across the line cards, it is necessary to monitor whether or not the CCM frame can be received as the LAG. For this purpose, a mechanism for sharing the reception status of the CCM frame among a plurality of line cards in which the LAG is set is necessary. In particular, a chassis-type relay device is usually required to have many ports and be able to set many MEPs. However, depending on the processing capability of the line card, such a request may not be sufficiently satisfied. In addition, if a mechanism for sharing the reception status described above is provided, the request may not be further satisfied.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and one of its purposes is to provide a chassis-type relay device capable of increasing the number of monitoring points based on Ethernet OAM.

  The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

  Of the inventions disclosed in the present application, the outline of a typical embodiment will be briefly described as follows.

  The relay device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of line cards each having a single or a plurality of external ports, and a first card connected to each of the plurality of line cards. The external port possessed by any one of the plurality of line cards and the external port possessed by any other one are set as member ports of the same LAG. When the first card monitors communication between the LAG member port and the outside of the apparatus, the first card generates a first monitoring frame and transmits it to the line card having the LAG member port. Any one of the line cards having the LAG member port transmits the first monitoring frame received from the first card to the outside of the apparatus from its own external port set as the LAG member port. . Each of the line cards having the LAG member port receives the second monitoring frame from the outside of the apparatus at its own external port set as the LAG member port, and transmits it to the first card. .

  The effects obtained by the representative embodiments of the invention disclosed in this application will be briefly described. In the chassis-type relay device, it is possible to increase the number of monitoring points based on the Ethernet OAM.

In the relay apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention, it is the schematic which shows the structural example of the relay system to which it is applied. In the relay apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention, it is the schematic which shows the structural example and the operation example. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the line card in the relay device of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example for a user frame in the relay device of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation example for a CCM frame in the relay apparatus of FIG. 3. In the relay apparatus by Embodiment 2 of this invention, it is the schematic which shows the structural example and operation example. In the relay apparatus by Embodiment 3 of this invention, it is the schematic which shows the structural example and operation example. It is the schematic which shows the structural example and operation example of the relay apparatus used as the comparative example of FIG.

  In the following embodiment, when it is necessary for the sake of convenience, the description will be divided into a plurality of sections or embodiments. However, unless otherwise specified, they are not irrelevant, and one is the other. Some or all of the modifications, details, supplementary explanations, and the like are related. Further, in the following embodiments, when referring to the number of elements (including the number, numerical value, quantity, range, etc.), especially when clearly indicated and when clearly limited to a specific number in principle, etc. Except, it is not limited to the specific number, and may be more or less than the specific number.

  Further, in the following embodiments, the constituent elements (including element steps and the like) are not necessarily indispensable unless otherwise specified and apparently essential in principle. Needless to say. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the components, etc., the shapes are substantially the same unless otherwise specified, or otherwise apparent in principle. And the like are included. The same applies to the above numerical values and ranges.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same function are denoted by the same reference symbols throughout the drawings for describing the embodiment, and the repetitive description thereof will be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
<Outline of relay system>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a relay system to which the relay apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. The relay system shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a plurality of relay devices (switch devices) SW1 to SW5 and a plurality of network networks NW1 and NW2. Relay devices SW1 to SW3 are connected to the network NW1, and relay devices SW1, SW4, and SW5 are connected to the network NW2. Although not particularly limited, with the relay device SW1 as a reference, the network NW1 is a lower-level (for example, user-side) network, and the network NW2 is an upper-level (for example, a telecommunications carrier) network.

  Each of the relay devices SW1 to SW5 is, for example, an L2 switch device that performs layer 2 (L2) processing based on the OSI reference model, or an L3 switch device that performs layer 3 (L3) processing. In the present embodiment, each of relay devices SW1 to SW5 is an L2 switch device as an example. Each of the relay devices SW1 to SW5 has an Ethernet OAM function, and a monitoring point (ie, MEP) based on the Ethernet OAM is set in each of the relay devices SW1 to SW5.

  In the example of FIG. 1, MEP12 to MEP15 are set in the relay device SW1, and MEP21, MEP31, MEP41, and MEP51 are set in the relay devices SW2, SW3, SW4, and SW5, respectively. The MEP 12 is the monitoring section 12 between the MEP 21, the MEP 13 is the monitoring section 13 between the MEP 31, the MEP 14 is the monitoring section 14 between the MEP 41, and the MEP 15 is the monitoring section 15 between the MEP 51. And

  For example, when communication is monitored between MEPs across a monitoring section based on the CC function of Ethernet OAM, each MEP (for example, MEP12) periodically exchanges CCM frames and the like with the opposite MEP (for example, MEP21). Send and receive to. For example, when the MEP 12 does not receive the CCM frame from the MEP 21 within a predetermined period (for example, 3.5 times the CCM frame transmission interval), the MEP 21 determines that the MEP 21 is in the LOC (Loss Of Continuity) state, and the reception path from the MEP 21 Recognize that there is no communication.

  Further, in this case, when the MEP 12 transmits a CCM frame toward the MEP 21, the MEP 12 transmits the flag with the RDI (Remote Defect Indication) bit included in the CCM frame. In this specification, a CCM frame with a flag set in the RDI bit is referred to as a CCM (with RDI) frame. Upon receiving the CCM (with RDI) frame, the MEP 21 determines that the MEP 12 is in the RDI state, and recognizes that the transmission path toward the MEP 12 does not have communication.

  Here, although not particularly limited, for example, a relay device arranged at the boundary of a network such as the relay device SW1 is required to be able to set a large number of MEPs. In order to satisfy such a requirement, it is beneficial to use a relay device of the present embodiment described later. In this embodiment, the case where the communication is monitored based on the CC function of Ethernet OAM is taken as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the CC function. In Ethernet OAM, in addition to the CC function, an LB (Loop Back) function and an LT (Link Trace) function using MEP are defined, and these functions can be applied in the same manner.

<Outline of relay device>
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example and an operation example in the relay device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The relay device (switch device) SW shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to one of the relay devices SW1 to SW5 in FIG. The relay device SW includes a plurality (four in this case) of line cards LC [1] to LC [4] and a management card (first card) MC [1], and these are included in one casing. It is a mounted chassis type switch device. Each of the line cards LC [1] to LC [4] has n external ports P [1] to P [n]. However, each of the line cards LC [1] to LC [4] may have one or a plurality of external ports, and the number of external ports for each line card need not be the same.

  The plurality of line cards LC [1] to LC [4] are connected to each other via a relay communication path 21 for relaying frames between the line cards. Although the communication path 21 is shown in a simplified manner in FIG. 2, in reality, the communication path 21 may be configured by a communication line that connects each line card in a mesh shape, or may be configured by a fabric card. is there. In the latter case, each of the plurality of line cards LC [1] to LC [4] is connected to the fabric card via a communication line, and transmits a frame to another line card via the fabric card. Relay.

  Here, the external port possessed by any one of the plurality of line cards LC [1] to LC [4] and the external port possessed by any other one are set as member ports of the same LAG. . In the example of FIG. 2, the external port P [1] of the line card LC [2] and the external port P [1] of the line card LC [3] are set as member ports of LAG1 across the line cards. . The member port of LAG1 is regarded as one port virtually (logically). Here, the LAG is set across two line cards, but the number is not limited to two and may be three or more.

  The management card (first card) MC [1] is connected to a plurality of line cards LC [1] to LC [4] via a management communication line 20, and a plurality of line cards LC [1] to LC [4] are connected via the communication line 20, respectively. The line cards LC [1] to LC [4] are managed. As an example, the management card MC [1] determines the setting of VLAN (Virtual LAN) for each of the line cards LC [1] to LC [4] and whether or not frames can pass based on a command from the outside of the apparatus. Set the filter. Alternatively, the management card MC [1] monitors the failure status of each line card LC [1] to LC [4] and shares the failure status with each line card LC [1] to LC [4]. Such a management function is performed by, for example, a processor unit (CPU) (not shown) mounted on the management card MC [1].

  The management card MC [1] includes an OAM processing unit 23 that performs Ethernet OAM processing and a LAG table 24 in addition to such a management function. The OAM processing unit 23 is configured with dedicated hardware different from the processor unit (CPU), although not necessarily limited thereto. The LAG table 24 holds a correspondence relationship between the LAG (here, LAG identifier (LAGID)) and the member port of the LAG (here, the port identifier (port ID) of the member port). Furthermore, although not necessarily limited here, the LAG table 24 holds a distributed identifier (distributed ID) assigned to each member port. The port ID includes a line card identifier and an external port identifier.

  In the example of the LAG table 24 of FIG. 2, it is indicated that LAG1 is constituted by the external port P [1] of the line card LC [2] and the external port P [1] of the line card LC [3]. In the LAG table 24, for example, {LAG1} represents an identifier (ID) of LAG1, and hereinafter, in this specification, {AA} represents an identifier (ID) of "AA". In the example of the LAG table 24 of FIG. 2, the external port P [1] of the line card LC [2] is assigned to the distribution ID = 1, and the external port P [1] of the line card LC [3] is the distribution ID. = 2 is assigned.

  In such a configuration, the relay device SW in FIG. 2 sets MEP1 to LAG1 and sets MEP2 to port P [n] of the line card LC [4]. Here, the case where the relay device SW in FIG. 2 is the relay device SW1 in FIG. 1 is taken as an example, and it is assumed that MEP1 corresponds to the MEP14 in FIG. 1 and MEP2 corresponds to the MEP12 in FIG. In this case, the external port P [1] of the line card LC [2] and the external port P [1] of the line card LC [3] that are member ports of the LAG1 are respectively connected via the communication line (for example, Ethernet line) 22. To the relay device SW4. The external port P [n] of the line card LC [4] is connected to the relay device SW2 via the communication line 22.

  The OAM processing unit 23 of the management card MC [1] monitors the communication between the MEP1 (that is, the member port of the LAG1) and the outside of the device (the MEP41 of the relay device SW4). Frame) CFo1 is generated. Then, the OAM processing unit 23 transmits the generated CCM frame CFo1 to the line cards (LC [2], LC [3]) having a member port of LAG1. At this time, in the first embodiment, the OAM processing unit 23 selects one of the line cards LC [2] and LC [3] having the member port of LAG1, and selects the CCM frame CFo1 as It transmits toward the selected line card (here, LC [2]).

  Specifically, the OAM processing unit 23 adds a port identifier (in this case, {LC [2]} / {P [1]}) indicating any one external port among the member ports of LAG1 to the CCM frame CFo1. And the frame is periodically transmitted to the line card (LC [2]) corresponding to the port identifier. At this time, the OAM processing unit 23 selects a port identifier to be added to the CCM frame CFo1 based on the LAG table 24.

  On the other hand, any one of the line cards having the member port of LAG1 (here, LC [2]) sets the CCM frame CFo1 periodically received from the management card MC [1] as the member port of LAG1. From its own external port (P [1]) to the outside of the apparatus (opposite MEP). Note that the external port that transmits the CCM frame CFo1 may be fixed to any one of the member ports of LAG1, or may be sequentially changed among the member ports of LAG1. In the latter case, the OAM processing unit 23 alternately transmits the CCM frame CFo1 toward the line cards LC [2] and LC [3] at each transmission interval, for example. When transmitting to the line card LC [3], the OAM processing unit 23 adds the port identifier {LC [3]} / {P [1]} to the CCM frame CFo1.

  Each of the line cards LC [2] and LC [3] having LAG1 member ports is a CCM frame (second monitoring address) addressed to MEP1 from the outside of the apparatus at its own external port set as the LAG1 member port. When the frame is received, the CCM frame is transmitted to the management card MC [1]. That is, when the line card LC [2] receives the CCM frame (second monitoring frame) CFi1 at its external port P [1], the line card LC [2] transmits it to the management card MC [1]. Similarly, when the line card LC [3] receives the CCM frame (second monitoring frame) CFi2 at its external port P [1], the line card LC [3] transmits it to the management card MC [1].

  When one of the CCM frame CFi1 and the CCM frame CFi2 is received within a predetermined period, the OAM processing unit 23 of the management card MC [1] determines that there is communication between the MEP1 and the opposite MEP. On the other hand, when neither the CCM frame CFi1 nor the CCM frame CFi2 is received within a predetermined period, the OAM processing unit 23 determines that there is no communication between the MEP1 and the opposite MEP (that is, the opposite MEP is in the LOC state). . In this case, the OAM processing unit 23 transmits a CCM (with RDI) frame as the CCM frame CFo1.

  As in the case of MEP1 described above, the OAM processing unit 23 of the management card MC [1] performs MEP2 (that is, the external port P [n] that is not set as a member port of LAG) and the outside of the device (the MEP21 of the relay device SW2). When the communication between the CCM frames is monitored, a CCM frame (third monitoring frame) CFo2 is generated. At this time, the OAM processing unit 23 adds the port identifier {LC [4]} / {P [n]} to the CCM frame CFo2.

  Then, the OAM processing unit 23 transmits the CCM frame CFo2 to which the port identifier is added toward the line card LC [4]. Based on the port identifier, the line card LC [4] transmits the CCM frame CFo2 from the external port P [n] to the outside of the apparatus (opposite MEP). On the other hand, when the line card LC [4] receives the CCM frame CFi3 addressed to MEP2 from the outside of the apparatus at the external port P [n], the line card LC [4] transmits it to the management card MC [1]. The OAM processing unit 23 determines whether or not there is communication between the MEP 2 and the opposite MEP based on the reception status of the CCM frame CFi3.

《Line card configuration and operation》
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the line card in the relay apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation example for a user frame in the relay device of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation example for a CCM frame in the relay device of FIG.

  The line card shown in FIG. 3 (for example, LC [2] in FIG. 2) includes a plurality of external ports P [1] to P [n], an external interface unit 30, a frame processing unit 31, a processor unit CPU, An address table FDB, a LAG table 32, an internal interface unit 33, and a plurality of internal ports are provided. The plurality of internal ports include a management card port M [1] and line card ports L [1], L [3], and L [4].

  As shown in FIG. 2, the management card port M [1] is connected to the management card MC [1] via the communication line 20. The line card ports L [1], L [3], and L [4] are connected to the line cards LC [1], LC [3], LC via the communication line 36 corresponding to the communication path 21 in FIG. Connected to [4]. The communication lines 20 and 36 are provided, for example, on a wiring board (back plane) on which a slot for attaching / detaching each card is mounted. When the relay device SW includes a fabric card, a fabric card port is provided instead of the line card port.

  The external interface unit 30 transmits and receives frames (user frames, CCM frames, etc.) with a plurality of external ports P [1] to P [n]. The internal interface unit 33 transmits and receives frames (such as user frames and CCM frames) to and from a plurality of internal ports (M [1], L [1], L [3], L [4]). .

  When the external interface unit 30 receives a frame at any one of the plurality of external ports P [1] to P [n], the external interface unit 30 includes a port identifier of the external port that has received the frame (referred to as a reception port identifier). ) And transmitted to the frame processing unit 31. In addition, when the external interface unit 30 receives a frame to which a destination port identifier representing a destination external port is added from the frame processing unit 31, the external interface unit 30 transmits the frame to the external port indicated by the destination port identifier. . Each of the reception port identifier and the destination port identifier includes a line card identifier and an external port identifier.

  The frame processing unit 31 includes a distributed processing unit 34 and an OAM processing unit 35, and is mainly responsible for frame relay processing. When receiving a user frame from the external interface unit 30, the frame processing unit 31 learns the transmission source MAC address of the user frame in the address table FDB in association with the reception port identifier added to the user frame. At this time, if the reception port identifier is a LAG member port based on the LAG table 32, the frame processing unit 31 changes the reception port identifier added to the user frame to the LAG identifier, and uses the LAG identifier to change the address. The table FDB is learned. Note that the LAG table 32 holds the same information as the LAG table 24 shown in FIG.

  When the frame processing unit 31 receives a user frame from the external interface unit 30, the frame processing unit 31 searches the address table FDB for a port identifier corresponding to the destination MAC address of the user frame, and uses the port identifier as the destination port identifier. Add to the frame. In this case, a LAG identifier may be obtained as the destination port identifier. In this case, the distribution processing unit 34 of the frame processing unit 31 refers to the LAG table 32, selects any one external port from the member ports of the LAG based on a predetermined distribution rule, and selects the selected external port. The port identifier of the port is defined as the destination port identifier.

  The frame processing unit 31 transmits the user frame to the external interface unit 30 when the destination port identifier indicates its own line card. On the other hand, when the destination port identifier indicates another line card, the frame processing unit 31 transmits the user frame toward the internal interface unit 33.

  Further, when the frame processing unit 31 receives a user frame to which the reception port identifier and the destination port identifier are added from the internal interface unit 33, the frame processing unit 31 associates the transmission source MAC address of the user frame with the reception port identifier in the address table. Learn to FDB. The frame processing unit 31 transmits the user frame toward the external interface unit 30, and the external interface unit 30 transmits the user frame toward the external port corresponding to the destination port identifier added thereto.

  In FIG. 4, the user frame UF received at the external port P [1] of the line card LC [1] is relayed to the external port P [1] (LAG1 member port) of the line card LC [2]. An example of operation is shown. The external interface unit 30 of the line card LC [1] adds the reception port identifier {LC [1]} / {P [1]} to the user frame UF and transmits it to the frame processing unit 31. The frame processing unit 31 learns the transmission source MAC address of the user frame UF in the address table FDB in association with the reception port identifier {LC [1]} / {P [1]}.

  Further, the frame processing unit 31 obtains a LAG identifier {LAG1} as a result of searching the port table corresponding to the destination MAC address of the user frame UF from the address table FDB. The distributed processing unit 34 selects any one external port from among the member ports of the LAG1, and designates a destination port identifier (in this case, {LC [2]} / {P [1]}) as a user frame. The data is added to the UF and transmitted to the internal interface unit 33. The internal interface unit 33 relays the user frame UF to the line card LC [2] via the line card port L [2] and the communication line 36 based on the destination port identifier.

  The internal interface unit 33 of the line card LC [2] transmits the user frame UF received from the line card port L [1] to the frame processing unit 31 from the line card LC [1]. The frame processing unit 31 learns the transmission source MAC address of the user frame UF in the address table FDB in association with the reception port identifier {LC [1]} / {P [1]} added thereto. The frame processing unit 31 transmits the user frame UF to the external interface unit 30, and the external interface unit 30 transmits the user frame UF to the destination port identifier {LC [2]} / {P [1] added thereto. } To the external port P [1].

  In FIG. 3, the OAM processing unit 35 in the frame processing unit 31 performs various processes associated with the Ethernet OAM, with CCM frame identification as a representative. FIG. 5 shows an operation example when the MEP is a Down MEP. In FIG. 2, the case where MEP1 and MEP2 are Down MEPs is taken as an example. The Down MEP is a MEP for setting a route from the external port to the outside of the device as a monitoring section, and the Up MEP is a MEP for setting a relay route inside the device as a monitoring section in addition to the route. .

  In FIG. 5, the management card MC [1] generates a CCM frame CFo destined for the opposite MEP and adds a destination port identifier {LC [2] / P [1]} to the line card LC [2]. Send to. In the CCM frame CFo, for example, a source MAC address corresponding to MEP1 in FIG. 2, a destination MAC address (multicast address or unicast address) corresponding to the opposite MEP, a predetermined frame identifier representing the CCM frame, The MEP identifier and MEG level corresponding to MEP1 are included.

  The internal interface unit 33 of the line card LC [2] transmits the CCM frame CFo received at the management card port M [1] to the frame processing unit 31. The OAM processing unit 35 of the frame processing unit 31 recognizes the CCM frame Cfo based on the frame identifier or the like, and performs a Down MEP / Up MEP determination. Although not particularly limited, the OAM processing unit 35 determines DownMEP / UpMEP based on the MEP identifier, the MEG level, and the like. In this example, the determination result is DownMEP. In this case, the OAM processing unit 35 transmits the CCM frame CFo toward the external interface unit 30. The external interface unit 30 transmits the CCM frame CFo toward the external port P [1] based on the destination port identifier {LC [2]} / {P [1]} added thereto.

  Further, regarding the reverse direction, when the external interface unit 30 of the line card LC [2] receives the CCM frame CFi from the opposite MEP at the external port P [1], it receives the received port identifier {LC [2]}. / {P [1]} is added and transmitted to the frame processing unit 31. The OAM processing unit 35 recognizes the CCM frame CFi based on, for example, the frame identifier of the CCM frame CFi, the destination MAC address, and the like, and performs DownMEP / UpMEP determination and the like.

  Although not particularly limited, the OAM processing unit 35 determines DownMEP / UpMEP based on the MEP identifier, MEG level, and the like included in the CCM frame CFi. In this example, the determination result is DownMEP. In this case, the OAM processing unit 35 adds the destination port identifier {M [1]} to the CCM frame CFi and transmits it to the internal interface unit 33. The internal interface unit 33 transmits the CCM frame CFi toward the management card MC [1] based on the destination port identifier {M [1]}.

  Here, the operation when the MEP is the UpMEP will be briefly described. As an example, when the Up MEP is set in the external port P [n] of the line card LC [1] in FIG. 2 and the opposite MEP exists ahead of the external port P [1] of the line card LC [4]. Is assumed. In this case, as in the case of FIG. 5, the CCM frame is transmitted from the management card MC [1] to the external port P [n] of the line card LC [1]. Here, the OAM processing unit 35 of the line card LC [1] determines that the MEP is an UpMEP. In this case, although not particularly limited, the OAM processing unit 35 searches the address table FDB for a destination port corresponding to the destination MAC address of the CCM frame, and similarly to the case of the user frame, the destination port (LC [4 ] / P [1]) to relay the CCM frame.

  In the reverse direction, the OAM processing unit 35 of the line card LC [4] receives the CCM frame at the external port P [1]. The OAM processing unit 35 recognizes that the destination MEP of the CCM frame is not addressed to the MEP set in its own line card based on the MEP identifier, MEG level, and the like included in the CCM frame. In this case, the OAM processing unit 35 treats the CCM frame as a user frame, searches the address table FDB for the destination port corresponding to the destination MAC address of the CCM frame, and obtains the destination port (LC [1]) obtained as a result. / P [n]) is relayed to the CCM frame. The OAM processing unit 35 of the line card LC [1] receives the CCM frame, recognizes that it is a CCM frame addressed to the UpMEP set in its own line card from the MEP identifier, MEG level, etc. Is transmitted to the management card MC [1] instead of the destination port (LC [1] / P [n]).

  The processor unit CPU shown in FIG. 3 cooperates with the frame processing unit 31 to perform processing by software on a frame difficult to be processed by the frame processing unit 31 (that is, hardware), or to manage its own line card. Do. Specifically, for example, the processor unit CPU performs various frame processes such as IP multicast processing and frame filtering, and manages various setting information of its own line card and failure status inside the apparatus. Or control various redundancy protocols.

<Outline of relay device (comparative example)>
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example and an operation example of a relay apparatus as a comparative example of FIG. The relay device SW ′ in FIG. 8 is different from the system in which the management card mainly performs the Ethernet OAM processing as shown in FIG. 2, and each line card mainly performs the Ethernet OAM processing. It has become. In FIG. 8, the processor unit CPU included in any one of the line cards LC ′ [2] and LC ′ [3] that are set with the device-to-device LAG1 (LC ′ [2] in this case) is provided. The CCM frame CFo4 is generated and transmitted to the outside of the apparatus via the OAM processing unit 45.

  On the other hand, the CCM frames CFi1 and CFi2 received by the line cards LC ′ [2] and LC ′ [3] from the outside of the apparatus by the LAG 1 are respectively sent to the OAM processing unit 45 of the line cards LC ′ [2] and LC ′ [3]. Each is sent. The OAM processing unit 45 of the line cards LC ′ [2] and LC ′ [3] periodically counts the number of receptions of the CCM frames CFi1 and CFi2 under the control of the processor unit CPU. The processor units CPU of the line cards LC ′ [2] and LC ′ [3] regularly notify the management card MC ′ [1] of the count value by the OAM processing unit 45.

  The OAM processing unit 46 of the management card MC ′ [1] adds the count values notified from the line cards LC ′ [2] and LC ′ [3], respectively, and whether or not there is communication based on the result of the addition ( It is determined whether or not the LOC state. In other words, the opposite MEP outside the apparatus transmits a CCM frame at a predetermined transmission interval to LAG1 in which MEP1 is set. Then, each member port of LAG1 (each of LC ′ [2] / P [1] and LC ′ [3] / P [1]) has a CCM if average load distribution is performed on LAG1. Frames are received at twice the transmission interval. However, average load distribution is not always performed. Therefore, the presence or absence of communication cannot be determined for each of the line cards LC ′ [2] and LC ′ [3], and the determination needs to be performed by the management card MC ′ [1].

  Here, for example, when the OAM processing unit 46 of the management card MC ′ [1] determines the LOC state, it is necessary to transmit a CCM (with RDI) frame to the opposite MEP. Therefore, the OAM processing unit 46 needs to notify the communication monitoring result to the processor unit CPU of each line card LC ′ [2], LC ′ [3] that is the generation source of the CCM frame.

<< Effects of the present embodiment, etc. >>
As described above, by using the relay apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and the like, for example, the processing load on each line card can be reduced as compared with the case of FIG. 8, and accordingly, based on Ethernet OAM. An increase in monitoring points (ie MEP) becomes feasible. Specifically, for example, in each line card, when it is desired to improve the capacity of external devices (for example, to increase the number of external ports), it is desirable to increase the number of MEPs set accordingly. It is.

  Under these circumstances, in the comparative example of FIG. 8, each line card mainly performs Ethernet OAM processing in addition to general frame relay processing. For this reason, in each line card, the processing load accompanying the frame relay processing increases as the capacity of the external device increases, and the processing load accompanying the Ethernet OAM processing increases as the number of MEPs set increases. . Then, while the processing capability of each line card is limited, for example, although the capacity of the external device is increased, it may be difficult to increase the number of MEP settings.

  In particular, as described in FIG. 3, the processor unit CPU of each line card needs to perform complicated processing that is difficult to be performed by hardware as frame relay processing. In addition to this, in the comparative example of FIG. 8, the processor unit CPU of each line card periodically generates a CCM frame and periodically generates a count value for the management card MC [1] as Ethernet OAM processing. It is necessary to perform processing such as a simple notification and reflection of the monitoring result notified from the management card MC [1]. As a result, in the comparative example of FIG. 8, there may be a situation where the number of MEPs set is limited particularly by the resources of the processor unit CPU.

  On the other hand, in the relay apparatus of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the management card mainly performs the processing of the Ethernet OAM, and each line card has a processing load required for the processing of the Ethernet OAM compared to the case of FIG. Very small. In particular, the processor unit CPU of each line card does not require processing such as periodic generation of CCM frames and periodic notification of count values as in the case of FIG. Further, as in the case of the line card LC [4] in FIG. 2, the management card mainly performs Ethernet OAM processing in which an external port that is not set as a LAG member port is MEP, so that the processor unit CPU of each line card. Can reduce the processing load in the process.

  As a result, the number of MEP settings can be increased. Furthermore, in the management card MC [1], it is possible to determine the presence / absence of communication without performing a count value summation process as in the case of FIG. 8, so that the processing can be simplified. In addition, since the management card MC [1] mainly performs Ethernet OAM processing, the monitoring results are also automatically collected in the management card MC [1]. For example, each line card performs monitoring and monitoring. Compared with the case of notifying the result to the management card MC [1], the processing efficiency can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)
<< Outline of Relay Device (Modification) >>
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example and an operation example in the relay device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The relay device (switch device) SW shown in FIG. 6 has the same configuration as the relay device shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 3), but the processing method of Ethernet OAM is slightly different from FIG. 2 (and FIG. 3). ing. Hereinafter, the description will be given focusing on this difference.

  In FIG. 6, the OAM processing unit 40 of the management card (first card) MC [1] generates a CCM frame as in the case of FIG. However, unlike the case of FIG. 2, the OAM processing unit 40 transmits the generated CCM frame to all the line cards LC [2] and LC [3] having the member ports of LAG1. Here, the OAM processing unit 40 generates a CCM frame (first monitoring frame) CFo3a, transmits it to the line card LC [2], and further transmits a CCM frame (first monitoring frame) CFo3b. And send it to the line card LC [3].

  At this time, the OAM processing unit 40 determines a LAG identifier (ID) and a distributed identifier (ID) based on the LAG table 24. Then, the OAM processing unit 40 adds the determined LAG identifier {LAG1} and the distributed identifier (here, “1”) to each of the generated CCM frames (first monitoring frames) CFo3a and CFo3b, and each of the identifiers The CCM frames CFo3a and CFo3b added with are transmitted toward the line cards LC [2] and LC [3].

  Each of the line cards LC [2] and LC [3] includes a frame processing unit 31 and a LAG table 32 as shown in FIG. The frame processing unit 31 (for example, the OAM processing unit 35 in FIG. 3) of each line card LC [2], LC [3], in addition to the various processes described in FIG. 3 and FIG. Based on the LAG identifier and the distributed identifier added to the CCM frames CFo3a and CFo3b, the necessity of transmission of the CCM frame is determined.

  Specifically, the frame processing unit 31 (OAM processing unit 35) refers to the LAG table 32 based on the LAG identifier {LAG1} added to the CCM frames CFo3a and CFo3b. Then, the frame processing unit 31 (OAM processing unit 35) has a distributed identifier assigned in advance to its own external port set as a member port of the LAG 1 and a distributed identifier added to the CCM frames CFo3a and CFo3b. If they match, it is determined that the CCM frame needs to be transmitted, and is transmitted from its own external port to the outside of the apparatus.

  Here, the distributed identifier added to the CCM frames CFo3a and CFo3b is “1”, and based on the LAG table 32, the member port corresponding to the distributed identifier “1” is the external port P [of the line card LC [2]. 1]. Therefore, the line card LC [2] determines that transmission is necessary, and transmits the CCM frame CFo3a from the external port P [1] to the outside of the apparatus. On the other hand, the line card LC [3] determines that transmission is not necessary and discards the CCM frame CFo3b.

  The operation when receiving CCM frames CFi1 and CFi2 from the outside of the apparatus is the same as that in FIG. Further, the distributed identifier added to the CCM frames CFo3a and CFo3b may be always fixed or sequentially changed. In the latter case, for example, the distributed identifier is alternately set to “1” and “2” for each transmission interval of the CCM frame.

  Here, using FIG. 4 described above as an example, if a miss hit occurs in the search result of the address table FDB in the line card LC [1], flooding can be performed by the same mechanism as in Patent Document 1. . Specifically, for example, the line card LC [1] adds a distributed identifier to the user frame to be flooded, and adds it to the line cards LC [2] and LC [3] in which the device-crossing LAG1 is set. Send to each. Each of the line cards LC [2] and LC [3] determines whether or not transmission of the user frame is necessary based on the distribution identifier and the LAG table 32. In the case of a configuration having such a flooding mechanism, the operation described in FIG. 6 can be easily realized by using this mechanism.

  As described above, the various effects described in the first embodiment can also be obtained by using the relay device of the second embodiment. When the method of FIG. 2 is compared with the method of FIG. 6, when the number of LAGs for which MEP is set or the number of member ports constituting each LAG is large, the CCM transmitted from the management card MC [1]. Since the band of the communication line 20 may be compressed with the frame, the method of FIG. 2 is desirable from this viewpoint.

(Embodiment 3)
<Outline of relay device (application example)>
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example and an operation example in the relay device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The relay device (switch device) SW shown in FIG. 7 has a configuration similar to that of the relay device shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 3), and further includes a management card MC [2]. Hereinafter, the description will be made focusing on differences from FIG. 2 (and FIG. 3).

  Similar to the management card MC [1], the management card MC [2] is connected to the plurality of line cards LC [1] to LC [4] via the management communication line 20, respectively. In the example of FIG. 7, the management card MC [1] is in the active state ACT, and the management card MC [2] is in the standby state SBY. The predetermined function as the management card is borne by the management card in the active state ACT. When a failure occurs in the management card MC [1] in the active state ACT, the management card MC [2] in the standby state SBY transitions to the active state ACT instead of the management card.

  In FIG. 7, the communication of the CCM frame between the management card MC [1] and the line cards LC [2], LC [3] in which the inter-device LAG is set is shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 3). It is done in the same way as the case. However, at this time, the OAM processing unit 35 of the line cards LC [2] and LC [3] adds the CCM frames CFi1 and CFi2 received by the LAG1 to the management card MC [1]. Also send to.

  Similarly to the management card MC [1], the management card MC [2] generates a CCM frame independently of the management card MC [1], and uses the CCM frame as the management card MC [1]. To the same line card (LC [2] in this case). At this time, similarly to the management card MC [1], the management card MC [2] adds the destination port identifier {LC [2]} / {P [1]} to the CCM frame. In the example of FIG. 7, the management card MC [1] periodically transmits the CCM frame CFo1a toward the line card LC [2], and the management card MC [2] also points toward the line card LC [2]. The CCM frame CFo1b is periodically transmitted.

  Here, the OAM processing unit 35 of the line card LC [2] selects one of the received CCM frames CFo1a and CFo1b and directs the selected CCM frame to the external port P [1]. Send. At this time, the OAM processing unit 35 selects the CCM frame transmitted from the management card in the active state ACT. In the example of FIG. 7, since the management card MC [1] is in the active state ACT, the OAM processing unit 35 selects the CCM frame CFo1a and discards the CCM frame CFo1b. When the management card MC [2] transitions to the active state ACT due to the failure of the management card MC [1], the OAM processing unit 35 selects the CCM frame CFo1b and discards the CCM frame CFo1a.

  Therefore, each of the line cards LC [1] to LC [4] including the line card LC [2] has a function of recognizing which management card is in the active state ACT (in other words, the presence or absence of the failure of the management card). Have. The function is not particularly limited, but between each line card LC [1] to LC [4] and the management card MC [1], and between each line card LC [1] to LC [4] and the management card MC. This is realized by executing a communication test with [2] using an internal monitoring frame and sharing the test result between the cards.

  When the operation example as shown in FIG. 7 is used, the management card MC [2] in addition to the management card MC [1] recognizes that it is transmitting and receiving CCM frames mainly. As a result, the management cards MC [1] and MC [2] can substantially perform CCM frame processing in a synchronized state. As a result, for example, even when a failure occurs in the management card and the transition of the active state ACT is performed, the CCM frame communication can be continued without interruption.

  As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to one having all the configurations described. Further, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. . Further, it is possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.

  For example, FIG. 7 shows an example in which a plurality of management cards are mounted on the configuration of FIG. 2, but it goes without saying that when a plurality of management cards are mounted on the configuration of FIG. A method similar to that described above can be applied. Further, for example, in FIG. 2, the management card (first card) MC [1] includes the LAG table 24. However, when the method of always fixing the external port for transmitting the CCM frame is used, the LAG table 24 is not necessarily used. There is no need to prepare. However, when a failure occurs in a line card having this fixed external port, it may be desirable to change the external port that transmits the CCM frame to an external port of another line card. In such a case, the LAG table 24 is required.

  Furthermore, here, Ethernet OAM processing is performed using a management card that manages a plurality of line cards, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the management card. That is, the Ethernet OAM process may be performed using the first card connected to each of the plurality of line cards. The first card is not limited to the management card, and may be a dedicated card that performs Ethernet OAM processing, or may be a fabric card or the like depending on circumstances. However, when a dedicated card is used, additional hardware is required. When a fabric card is used, the wide communication band reserved for user frames with each line card is further expanded. The need to do so may arise. From these viewpoints, when the relay device includes a management card in advance, it is desirable to use the management card.

12 to 15 Monitoring section 20, 22, 36 Communication line 21 Communication path 23, 35, 40, 45, 46 OAM processing unit 24, 32 LAG table 30 External interface unit 31 Frame processing unit 33 Internal interface unit 34 Distributed processing unit ACT Active State CFo, CFo1, CFo1a, CFo1b, CFo2, CFo3a, CFo3b, CFo4, CFi, CFi1-CFi3 CCM frame CPU processor unit FDB address table L [1] -L [4] Line card ports LC [1] -LC [ 4], LC ′ [2], LC ′ [3] Line card M [1] Management card port MC [1], MC [2], MC ′ [1] Management card NW1, NW2 Network P [1] ~ P [n] External port SBY Standby state SW, SW1 ~ SW5, SW 'Relay device (switch device)
UF user frame

Claims (4)

Multiple line cards, each with one or more external ports,
A management card connected to each of the plurality of line cards and managing the plurality of line cards ;
A relay device comprising:
The external port of any one of the plurality of line cards and the external port of any one of the other line cards are set as member ports of the same LAG,
The management card generates a first monitoring frame when monitoring the communication between the LAG member port and the outside of the apparatus, and the first monitoring frame includes the LAG member port. A port identifier indicating any one external port is added, and the first monitoring frame to which the port identifier is added is transmitted to a line card corresponding to the port identifier ,
The line card that has received the first monitoring frame to which the port identifier is added transmits the first monitoring frame from the external port indicated by the port identifier to the outside of the device,
Each of the line cards having the LAG member port receives the second monitoring frame received when receiving the second monitoring frame from the outside of the apparatus at its own external port set as the LAG member port. To the management card ,
The management card includes a LAG table that holds a correspondence relationship between a LAG and a member port of the LAG, and adds the port identifier to the first monitoring frame based on the LAG table.
Relay device. The relay device according to claim 1,
The first monitoring frame and the second monitoring frame are CCM frames based on Ethernet OAM.
Relay device. The relay device according to claim 1 ,
The management card further generates a third monitoring frame when monitoring the communication between an external port that is not set as a member port of the LAG and the outside of the device, and the third monitoring frame is used as the LAG. Send to a line card with an external port not set as a member port of
Relay device. Multiple line cards, each with one or more external ports,
A management card connected to each of the plurality of line cards and managing the plurality of line cards ;
A relay device comprising:
The external port of any one of the plurality of line cards and the external port of any one of the other line cards are set as member ports of the same LAG,
The management card generates a first monitoring frame when monitoring the communication between the member port of the LAG and the outside of the apparatus , and adds a LAG identifier and a distributed identifier to the first monitoring frame. The first monitoring frame with the LAG identifier and the distributed identifier added is transmitted to all line cards having the LAG member ports,
Each of the line cards that has received the first monitoring frame to which the LAG identifier and the distributed identifier are added has a distributed identifier assigned in advance to its own external port set as a member port of the LAG, When the shared identifier added to the first monitoring frame matches, the first monitoring frame is transmitted from the own external port to the outside of the device,
Each of the line cards having the LAG member port receives the second monitoring frame received when receiving the second monitoring frame from the outside of the apparatus at its own external port set as the LAG member port. To the management card,
Relay device.

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